If you ask people about something they like, most of them will tell you two is better than one, and more is even better than that. When it comes to shopping small, we agree! A whole season celebrating the efforts and offerings of small business is better than just one Small Business shopping day.
Why shop small, shop local? Simply put, there are 28.8 million small businesses in the country, and they account for 99.7 percent of all businesses in the U.S. A local business that is thriving and growing is also much more likely to positively affect the surrounding community.
As we, the Chamber, ramp up our shop local campaign, you will hear us suggesting the idea that any amount helps; but you as customers may wonder if that is true. Can 10 dollars spent at a local store really have that large of an impact on the community? The answer is simple. Yes, $10 is enough for Small Business Saturday, or Season! The impact of that $10 is substantial. It’s estimated that over $9.3 billion would be returned to our U.S. economy if every household spent just $10 a month at a local business. It’s only a few cups of coffee or a couple of drinks at happy hour a month. By reallocating the $10 a month that you spend elsewhere, it will have an immense impact on small businesses and the local economy. Imagine if everyone could commit to that $10 and spend it at a local business!
So, take some time to enjoy the family over Thanksgiving and then shop local on Small Business Saturday, November 27. The Conifer Chamber will be out shopping around town. If you see us, stop by for a picture. Log onto the Chamber’s website at GoConifer.com to find local businesses and Hot Deals during the holiday season from our members.
The following weekend, Conifer will be celebrating Christmas at the 38th Annual Conifer Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 4, sponsored by RE/MAX Alliance. The theme this year is Winter Games. Festivities begin at 10:30 am on Sutton Road. Enjoy a day filled with holiday trolleys, warm spirits, food trucks, live entertainment, Christmas shopping with local vendors in our Christmas Market, Santa Land, and, of course, the very best small-town Christmas Parade starting at 2 pm! If you are interested in being a vendor or participating in the parade, go to GoConifer.com for details.
Stick around after the parade to drive through local neighborhoods and check out the storefront displays as businesses and residents once again participate in the “Light Up Conifer” holiday decorating competition.